Cleaning implement for holding a cleaning means

ABSTRACT

A cleaning implement such that it is usable universally for differently configured cleaning means, and also for fastening a glove that is known per se, includes a handle and a holder. The holder is configured for releasably fastening a cleaning means, wherein the cleaning means is fastened to the holder by means of a clamping connection. The holder has two clamping jaws, between which the cleaning means is at least regionally clampable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 13 004 846.5, filed on Oct. 9, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising a handle having a holder for releasably fastening a cleaning means, wherein the cleaning means is fastened to the holder by means of a clamping connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cleaning implements of this type are known from German Pat. No. DE 10 2005 049 486 A1. The previously known cleaning implement has a supporting body that is formed in a hexagonal or lemon-shaped manner in plan view. A cleaning means is releasably fastenable to this supporting body. The fastening preferably takes place by means of a touch-and-close fastener. However, the description of the document also refers to the possibility of fastening by means of a clamping connection, wherein both the cleaning means and the holder have to be shaped in a coordinated manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the object of developing a cleaning implement of the type mentioned at the beginning such that it is usable universally for differently configured cleaning means. In particular, it is also intended to be usable for fastening a glove that is known per se.

According to the invention, it has been found that a holder which has two clamping jaws is highly suitable for fastening cleaning means of a wide variety of types. The cleaning means is simply clamped between the two clamping jaws, wherein it is sufficient for it to be clamped firmly at least in subregions, such that the outer shape does not have to be matched to the shape of the clamping connection. Thus, for example, a floor cloth can be folded to form a pouch and be pulled over one of the clamping jaws of the holder such that it is clamped between the two clamping jaws.

The clamping jaws allow the cleaning means to be fixed easily and quickly and, on account of the force fit, prevent the cleaning means from slipping or shifting. This makes cleaning easier and the frequently troublesome repositioning of the cleaning means is dispensed with in this cleaning implement.

Furthermore, the cleaning means can be removed from the clamping jaws easily and without being destroyed. The cleaning means are typically removed in order to be able to fasten a cleaning means for some other cleaning purpose or in order to replace the used cleaning means with a new, unused cleaning means, for example.

Consequently, the object mentioned at the beginning has been achieved.

The holder may be configured in a U-shaped manner in cross section, wherein the clamping jaws can be arranged opposite and substantially parallel to one another. This arrangement of the clamping jaws allows the cleaning means to be fastened to or fitted over one of the clamping jaws in a particularly simple manner without the cleaning means becoming caught on the other clamping jaw.

The clamping jaws may at least regionally have means for reinforcing the clamping force. Due to the means for reinforcing the clamping force, the clamping force of the clamping jaws can be increased. Accordingly, stability of the clamping connection can be ensured, even in the case of intense efforts and activities.

The means for reinforcing the clamping force may comprise at least one groove in at least one of the clamping jaws. The groove causes the distance between the clamping jaws to be at least regionally reduced. As a result of the reduction in the distance, the clamping force of the clamping jaws for holding and gripping the cleaning means is additionally increased in a simple manner. It is also possible for more than one groove to be provided in one or in both clamping jaws in order to further increase the holding force.

At least one clamping jaw may have ribs to secure the cleaning means to the holder and militate against shifting and slipping. The ribs may be configured as elongate channels having a triangular profile. The ribs may be formed in a material-integral manner and in one piece with the holder. As a result of the material-integral configuration, the production costs and the method steps for producing the cleaning implement are reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ribs are arranged on at least one inner side of the clamping jaws. Preferably, the ribs are arranged beneath the groove on at least one inner side of the clamping jaws. As a result of an arrangement of the ribs on the inner side of a clamping jaw, the clamping force of the clamping connection is increased even further and slipping or shifting of the cleaning means is prevented.

The clamping jaws may have different lengths. In this case, it is advantageous for the cleaning means to be easily slipped over one of the clamping jaws and removed again.

According to one embodiment, the upper clamping jaw may be shorter than the lower clamping jaw. This allows the cleaning means to be fitted or fastened and removed particularly easily without the cleaning means becoming caught.

The clamping jaws may be arranged in a resilient manner with respect to one another. A resilient configuration of the clamping jaws makes the fitting of the cleaning means over and removal of the cleaning means from one of the clamping jaws easier.

In order to effectively remove dirt from the surface to be cleaned, when the cleaning implement is used, force is applied via the handle. A resilient configuration of the clamping jaws additionally has the advantage that when the cleaning implement is used as intended, the cleaning means can automatically be additionally fixed between the clamping jaws. As a result, slipping of the cleaning means while the cleaning implement is being used is additionally impeded.

The holder may have a fastening element for the handle. As a result of the handle, the ergonomics of the cleaning implement are improved, since low-lying soiling can be removed without bending. Furthermore, the cleaning force can be easily applied in a controlled manner via the handle and the cleaning implement can be used with both hands.

According to one embodiment, the handle may be configured as a telescopic handle. On account of the variable length of the telescopic handle, the cleaning implement has a small space requirement and it is possible to clean areas that are hard to reach, for example to clean ceilings, with this cleaning implement.

The fastening element may be attached in the region of the groove. As a result of the application of force to the handle, the clamping jaws are pressed together in the already narrowed region of the groove, with the result that the cleaning means is additionally fixed.

The fastening element may have a universal joint. The joint increases the flexibility of the cleaning implement. As a result, the handle does not have to be guided rigidly with the holder but, on account of the use of a universal joint, allows freedom of movement in its guidance. Thus, the cleaning of surfaces that are hard to access, for example corners, nooks and crannies, is rendered easier.

The handle may be fastened in the fastening element by means of a screw connection. This allows quick and easy fastening of the handle in and releasing of the handle from the fastening element.

The holder may be configured in one piece and in a material-integral manner with the clamping jaws. As a result, the production costs and the method steps for producing the cleaning implement can be reduced.

The cleaning implement may be produced from a plastics material. Plastics materials are particularly suitable as the material for producing the cleaning implement on account of their easy and cost-effective processing.

Preferably, shaping is carried out by means of injection-moulding. Cleaning implements made of injection-moulded plastics material are produced cost-effectively and in a large variety of shapes. In this case, the cleaning implements can be configured in a flexible manner, resulting in an improved cleaning action.

The cleaning means may be configured as a glove which is fittable easily onto one of the clamping jaws. The glove can be used with and without a holder such as with a hand of a user. By fitting on the hand, regions that are nearby such as the basin, for example, can be cleaned. With the aid of the holder, regions that are located further away can be cleaned. Furthermore, the glove is usable in a versatile manner. In this case, it is advantageous for gloves to have a relatively large, continuous cleaning surface, thereby allowing particularly uniform and quick cleaning of large areas, for example the tiling in the bathroom.

The glove may have different cleaning surfaces. This increases the range of uses of the cleaning implement. Depending on its surface structure and the choice of material, the glove may be suitable for cleaning in a wet and dry state. In a first configuration, the glove may preferably have an abrasive layer on one side while the other side serves for drying and/or polishing the surface to be cleaned. The abrasive layer improves the cleaning power of the glove and makes it possible to remove firmly adhering soiling such as soap residues, for example, in bathtubs or basins. The other side could be suitable for cleaning sensitive surfaces such that firmly adhering soiling and sensitive surfaces can be cleaned with one cleaning means.

The glove may be produced from a nonwoven material. Nonwoven materials are producible easily and cost-effectively. Nonwoven materials have a low basis weight and may be formed in an absorbent manner. Furthermore, nonwoven materials can be washable such that it is possible to use the cleaning means multiple times.

According to a further embodiment, the glove may be formed regionally in an elastic manner. This makes it easier to fit the glove onto or over one of the clamping jaws.

On account of its wide range of uses and the large continuous cleaning surfaces, the cleaning implement is preferably suitable for use as a bathroom cleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a cleaning implement, comprising a handle with a holder for releasably fastening a cleaning means;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the cleaning implement;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the cleaning implement, wherein a cleaning means has been fastened to the cleaning implement;

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the cleaning implement having a fastened cleaning means; and

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a further cleaning implement, wherein the cleaning implement has ribs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a cleaning implement 1 comprising a handle 2 with a holder 3 for releasably fastening a cleaning means, wherein the cleaning means is fastened to the holder 3 by means of a clamping connection 4. The holder 3 has two clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b, between which the cleaning means is at least regionally clampable.

The holder 3 is produced in one piece and in a material-integral manner from an injection-moulded plastics part.

The holder 3 is configured in a U-shaped manner in cross section, wherein the clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b are arranged opposite and substantially parallel to one another.

The cleaning implement 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a groove 6 in the clamping jaw 5 a, with the result that the distance between the clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b is at least regionally reduced. A connecting face 7 between the clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b is rounded.

The holder 3 furthermore has a fastening element 8 for the handle 2. The handle 2 is configured as a telescopic handle. The handle 2 is releasably fastened in the fastening element 8 by means of a screw connection. The fastening element 8 is attached in the region of the groove 6. The fastening element 8 has a universal joint 9.

The clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b have different lengths. The upper clamping jaw 5 a is shorter than the lower clamping jaw 5 b. The clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b are arranged in a resilient manner with respect to one another.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the cleaning implement 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. It can be seen that the fastening element 8 has been attached centrally in the region of the groove 6.

FIG. 3 shows a cleaning implement 1 from FIG. 1 having a cleaning means. The cleaning means is configured as a glove 11. The glove 11 has been fitted over the lower clamping jaw 5 b and is fixed by the upper clamping jaw 5 a bearing against the glove 11. The glove 11 is made for example from a nonwoven material.

The glove 11 can have two identical cleaning surfaces which are suitable for cleaning, drying and polishing smooth and sensitive cleaning surfaces. However, it can also have two different cleaning surfaces. One cleaning surface can be configured for example as an abrasive layer, while the other cleaning surface can in this configuration have an absorbent and washable nonwoven material.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the cleaning implement 1 illustrated in FIG. 3 having the fastened glove 11.

FIG. 5 shows a further cleaning implement 1′. The clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b have ribs 12. The ribs 12 are arranged beneath the groove 6 on the inner sides of the clamping jaws 5 a, 5 b.

The ribs 12 are configured as elongate channels having a triangular profile. Furthermore, the ribs 12 are formed in a material-integral manner and in one piece with the holder 3. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning implement comprising: a handle; and a holder coupled to the handle, the holder having at least two clamping jaws configured to releasably fasten a cleaning means therebetween.
 2. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the holder has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape, and wherein the clamping jaws are arranged opposite to each other and substantially parallel to each another.
 3. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the clamping jaws includes a means for reinforcing the clamping force.
 4. The cleaning implement according to claim 3, wherein the means for reinforcing the clamping force is at least one groove formed on at least one of the clamping jaws, wherein a distance between the clamping jaws at the groove is reduced.
 5. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the clamping jaws has at least one rib formed thereon.
 6. The cleaning implement according to claim 5, wherein the at least one rib is formed on an inner side of the at least one of the clamping jaws, the inner side facing an other one of the clamping jaws.
 7. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the clamping jaws have different lengths.
 8. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the clamping jaws are resillient with respect to each other.
 9. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the holder has a fastening element disposed thereon to couple the handle to the holder.
 10. The cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein the fastening element is disposed on the groove.
 11. The cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein the fastening element includes a universal joint.
 12. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the holder is integrally formed with the clamping jaws.
 13. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the holder receives the cleaning means thereon, and wherein the cleaning means is configured as a glove.
 14. The cleaning implement according to claim 13, wherein the cleaning means has at least a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface, wherein the first cleaning surface is different from the second cleaning surface.
 15. A cleaning implement comprising: a handle; and a holder coupled to the handle, the holder having a clamping connection configured to fasten a cleaning means thereto, the clamping connection including a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw configured to clamp the cleaning means therebetween, at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw include a groove formed thereon.
 16. The cleaning implement according to claim 15, wherein the holder has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape, and wherein the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw are arranged opposite to each other and substantially parallel to each another.
 17. The cleaning implement according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw has at least one rib, wherein the at least one rib is disposed on a side of at least one of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw facing an other of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw.
 18. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the holder has a fastening element disposed thereon for coupling the handle to the holder, the fastening element disposed on the groove.
 19. A cleaning implement comprising: a handle; a holder coupled to the handle, the holder having a clamping connection including at least two clamping jaws, at least one of the clamping jaws including a groove formed thereon; and a cleaning means received on the holder and clamped between the at least two clamping jaws.
 20. The cleaning implement according to claim 19, wherein the holder has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape, wherein the clamping jaws are arranged opposite to each other and substantially parallel to each another and include at least one rib formed on an inner surface thereof, and wherein the cleaning means is configured as a glove, the glove having at least a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface. 